Vintage baby names are one of the biggest baby-naming trends right now, with parents increasingly turning to names from the late 1800s through early 1900s for inspiration. From classics like Eleanor and Henry to more unique gems like Mabel and Silas, these names offer a mix of nostalgia, elegance, and staying power. Old-fashioned names for girls and eclectic grandpa names for boys have both been popular, proving that retro names are here to stay. From your family tree to historical figures, this baby name trend harkens back to the adage of “everything old is new again.”
From Betty and Ruby for girls and Archie and Victor for boys, we’re always swooning over old-fashioned names with plenty of vintage charm. Want a timeless and unforgettable pick with plenty of staying power? Read on for some of our favorite vintage baby names, straight from the archives.
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Why vintage names are trending
While some names appear on the most popular lists year after year (William and Elizabeth, for example), the popularity of many names tends to be cyclical. With many parents-to-be looking for name inspiration in the family tree, vintage names come back into vogue after a few generations. Plus, vintage names tend to have a timeless quality, so the monikers work when children are young and when they get older. “I think this trend, which has been heating up for more than a decade, will continue into 2026,” baby name expert Sherri Suzanne shared with The Everymom.
Vintage names for girls that are popular again
Hazel
Origin: English | Meaning: From the hazelnut tree
This old-fashioned name topped the charts in the early 20th century. While most often given to baby girls, Hazel may also be a boys’ name (think: the tender-hearted assassin in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy).
Ruby
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Deep red precious stone
Ruby was a popular choice for parents around the turn of the century, but it’s now seeing a resurgence. There are several famous Rubys throughout history, including 1960s soul singer Ruby Johnson and civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, both of whom your little girl would be proud to be named after.
More vintage girl names making a comeback
- Alice
- Clara
- Iris
- Mabel
- Rosalie
- Violet
Vintage baby girl names with cute nicknames
Charlotte (Lottie)
Origin: English | Meaning: Free
A potential nickname for our current boom of baby Charlottes, Lottie is also a charming given name in its own right. For naming options with similar old lady flair, consider Millie, Dottie, or Lettie.
Dorothy (Dot, Dottie)
Origin: Greek | Meaning: Gift of God
Wicked-mania and the growing trend of vintage names may have this popular 1920s name, meaning “gift of god,” coming back into vogue. Plus, nicknames for Dorothy, like Dot and Dottie, fit the “grandma names” trend.
Elizabeth (Betty, Betsy, Bette)
Origin: English | Meaning: Oath of God
A nickname for Elizabeth, Betty is a super-cute moniker on its own. It became a common nickname in the medieval period and transitioned to a popular given name in English-speaking countries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Plus, Taylor Swift’s song makes the name seem modern and vintage at the same time.
More old-fashioned girl names with sweet nicknames
- Abigail (Abi, Abby)
- Agatha (Aggie)
- Clementine (Clemmie)
- Edith (Edie)
- Edna (Eddie, Deedee)
- Eleanor (Elle, Ellie)
- Estel (Stella)
- Evelyn (Evie)
- Gertrude (Gertie)
- Lucille (Lulu, Lucy)
- Matilda (Mattie, Tilly)
- Marjorie (Margie)
- Mavis (Mae)
- Mildred (Millie)
- Ruth (Ruthie)
- Susan (Sue, Susie)
- Sybil (Sibby)
- Sylvia (Sylvie)
- Wilma (Willie)
- Winifred (Winnie, Freddie)
Unique vintage names for baby girls
Fern
Origin: English | Meaning: A connection to nature
Offering a botanical vibe, Fern is an offbeat name that tanked in popularity in the 1940s. We’d love to see this charming moniker regain its footing and think it’s a perfect fit for any nature-loving parent today. Looking for a name with a similar vibe? Consider Flora, Faye, or Willow.
Frida
Origin: German | Meaning: Peaceful
With an alternate spelling of Frieda and the name Freda (pronounced “Fred-ah”) sharing a close resemblance, this pretty German name has the sweetest meaning, “peaceful,” making it the perfect vintage moniker for your little girl.
Inez
Origin: Spanish | Meaning: Pure, chaste, and innocent
This cool, sophisticated name is the Spanish play on the name Agnes and includes the alternate spellings Inés and Ines. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively named their daughter Ines in 2016, also making this moniker a Taylor Swift-inspired baby name.
Louisa
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Renowned warrior
Notes: For a little girl with a fighting spirit, Louisa may strike the perfect tone. While most popular in the late 1800s, Louisa is a sweet pick without being stuffy. For a similar feel, look to names like Louise and Eloise.
Ora
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Light and prayer
Short and sweet, this lovely girls’ name meaning “light” or “prayer” reached the peak of its popularity in 1901, when 400 babies were given the name. Similarly offbeat and adorable names include Cora and Orla.
Rosa
Origin: Spanish, Italian | Meaning: Rose
Rosa is a sweet, old-fashioned take on the ever-classic name Rose. For similar floral-inspired names, look to Rosalie, Lily, or Violet.
More rare vintage girl names
- Astrid
- Celeste
- Delia
- Ethel
- Faye
- Florence
- Greta
- Ida
- Lois
- Nell
- Tallulah
Vintage baby boy names making a comeback
Archie
Origin: German | Meaning: Genuine, bold
This vintage baby name shot back into the spotlight in 2019 when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle named their firstborn child Archie. The cute moniker was originally a nickname for the stately Archibald and has been rising in the UK as a given name throughout the last century.
August
Origin: German | Meaning: Great, magnificent
Don’t feel penned in by the calendar! August is a charming name for babies born in any month of the year. For a regal-sounding take, try Augustus. And when it comes to nicknames, there’s nothing cuter than the tried-and-true Gus.
Calvin
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Bald
Don’t let this name’s meaning dissuade you from using this handsome name for a little boy joining your family. From fashion designer Calvin Klein to U.S. president Calvin Coolidge to the fictional character from Calvin and Hobbes, examples of this name in action abound.
Isaac
Origin: Hebrew | Meaning: Laughter
A strong name with biblical ties and a cheerful meaning, Isaac has wide appeal when it comes to naming little ones. If you love the feel of this name, consider Ivan and Levi, too. Sir Isaac Newton and science fiction writer Isaac Asimov are both noteworthy bearers of the name.
Silas
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Wood or forest
If you want to capture the peacefulness of nature, consider the name Silas—one that means “of the forest.” Pronounced “Sigh-less,” this sweet name shares a similar vibe with Cyrus, Everett, and Ezra. The unique name has recently grown in popularity again after Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel named their son named Silas in 2015.
More popular vintage baby names for boys
- Beau
- Charles
- Elias
- Everett
- Ezra
- Felix
- Francis
- Harvey
- Henry
- Hector
- Hugh
- Hugo
- Jack
- James
- Jasper
- Jude
- Leo
- Louis
- Milo
- Miles
- Oscar
- Otto
- Peter
- Teddy
- Theo
- Theodore
- William
Vintage boy names with grandpa vibes
Clayton
Origin: English | Meaning: Clay
Perhaps a little on-the-nose, this traditional yet stylish name simply means “clay” or “from the clay land.” Clay makes for an adorable nickname, and good alternatives include Peyton, Carson, and Clinton.
Edmund
Origin: English | Meaning: Fortunate land protector
For a less popular and more regal take on Edward, Edmund offers the same range of nickname possibilities as Ed and Eddie. Plus, from Saint Edmund to the kings of England, Edmund offers inspiration from some pretty lofty places.
Franklin
Origin: English | Meaning: Free man
Undoubtedly adorable, Franklin brings built-in versatility in nicknames like Frank and Frankie. Close alternatives to this name include Francis and Frederick. For presidential inspiration, look to both Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, and Franklin Pierce, the 14th U.S. president.
Victor
Origin: Latin | Meaning: Conqueror or winner
Notes: Truly, there can be no name quite as triumphant-sounding as the strong and stately Victor. For nickname options, consider Vic and Tory, and for similar-sounding alternatives, there’s always Ricardo, Lucas, and Alexander.
More grandpa boy names with cute nicknames
- Albert (Albie)
- Arthur (Art, Artie)
- Atticus (Attie, Gus)
- Benjamin (Ben, Benji)
- Cedric (Ced, Ricky)
- Edward (Eddie)
- George (Georgie)
- Harold (Harry)
- Horace (Ace, Rory)
- Martin (Marty)
- Ned (Neddy)
- Oliver (Ollie)
- Ralph (Ralphie)
- Raymond (Ray)
- Walter (Walt)
- Wilbur (Will, Willy)
Unique vintage boy names
Lucien
Origin: French | Meaning: From the light
For a name choice that feels both stylish and hopeful, and might start making a comeback (thanks to the ACOTAR books), try out Lucien. Pronounced either “Loo-see-uhn” or “Loo-shun,” the name sweetly means “from the light.”
Mack
Origin: Scottish/Irish | Meaning: “son of”
A top name in the early 1900s, Mack is a strong one-syllable name for a new baby boy, that could also honor a surname in the family.
More rare vintage names for boys
- Cecil
- Claude
- Guy
- Lawrence
- Leon
- Lewis
- Linus
- Stanley
Whether you’re inspired by your family tree or simply love a name with history, vintage names offer a timeless option that can grow with your new baby.
Lizzie Goodman, Contributing Writer
Lizzie is an editor and writer specializing in pregnancy, child development, and parenting. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two young daughters in a funny old house filled with books.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
